Wildlife and wine, same day.

This Perth-to-Margaret River tour mixes a boat cruise in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park with wine and brewery tastings along the coast. I like the way the day is built around variety: wildlife first, then famous surf and dramatic rock scenery, and finally time in Margaret River town.

One thing to keep in mind is that it’s a long day (about 12 to 13 hours) and there’s no included lunch, so you’ll want to plan snacks and where you’ll eat your meal. If you’re okay with that rhythm, it’s a strong way to see a lot without driving yourself.

Key highlights before you go

• Shoalwater Islands Marine Park cruise for close-up wildlife watching from the water
• Dolphins, sea lions, and penguins viewed in their natural habitat (bring your camera strap)
• Canal Rocks and the Margaret River Mouth for classic coastal photo stops
• Surfers Point to see one of Australia’s well-known surf breaks
• Brewery + winery tastings paired with a guided day tour feel and snacks included
• Small group size (max 24) in an air-conditioned vehicle

Why This Day Trip Works: Coast, Wildlife, and Wine

This is the kind of day trip that feels efficient without feeling rushed. You start with marine wildlife, then you shift into coastal scenery and surf country, and you end with the Margaret River food-and-drink culture.

I especially like that the day isn’t just about wine. The marine park cruise gives you a completely different kind of experience than anything inland, and the wildlife component is the star that makes the rest of the itinerary feel more rewarding. Second, the wine stop isn’t just a single toast-and-go moment on paper—you get tastings at a brewery and a winery, plus snacks throughout the day so you’re not stuck hungry between stops.

The main trade-off is time and food. It’s long, and there’s no included lunch, so you’ll want to budget for that meal and make peace with waiting for each segment to finish.

7:00 am Departing Barrack Street Jetty: How the Day Flows

You meet at Barrack Street Jetty in Perth at 7:00 am. That early start matters. It helps the tour fit in the marine cruise, multiple coastal stops, and the Margaret River region without turning the whole day into one giant traffic jam.

The transport is an air-conditioned vehicle, and the group stays small, with a maximum of 24 travelers. That usually makes it easier for the guide to manage timing and keep you on track when you’re hopping between photo stops and viewpoints.

What I’d do: pack light, but don’t skip comfort. Even with AC, a full day in a vehicle can wear you down. Bring sunglasses, sun protection, and a layer for the cooler coastal air, especially after the boat portion when you may be near water.

Shoalwater Islands Marine Park Cruise: Dolphins, Sea Lions, Penguins

This is the reason many people choose the tour. You head south from Perth and reach Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, where you join a boat cruise. The point isn’t a checklist—it’s watching wildlife behave naturally, from the water.

The stops focus on areas like Penguin and Seal Island, and you’re on the water looking for wild dolphins, sea lions, and penguins. Even if you don’t spot every species every time, the experience is still about being out there on the ocean, scanning for movement, and learning how these animals live around the islands.

Practical tip: wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in. You’ll likely move around at the jetty and on/off the boat depending on conditions. And keep your phone or camera secure. Boat days make everything feel more energetic than you expect.

Busselton Jetty Views: A Break From the Road

After the marine cruise, you travel along the coast and hit Busselton. You get about an hour for the stop, including a chance to enjoy the Geographe Bay views and the famous Busselton Jetty area.

This isn’t the kind of stop where you need to rush. It’s more of a reset moment. You can stretch your legs, grab a quick bite if you want, and let your eyes adjust back from open water to coastal scenery.

If you’re the type who hates “drive-by” stops, keep expectations realistic. This is a scenic break built into a full day, not a dedicated jetty deep-dive. Still, it’s a worthwhile punctuation mark between the wildlife and the Margaret River region.

Surfers Point and Canal Rocks: Famous Surf and Classic Coast Photos

Next comes the part that feels like Western Australia at its most postcard-ready. You stop at Surfers Point, described as a world-famous surf break in Margaret River. Expect powerful waves and coastal viewpoints that make you understand why this area has a reputation among surfers.

Then it’s time for Canal Rocks, where you’ll stop for a photo opportunity at the natural rock formations. After that, you head toward the Margaret River Mouth, another major coastal sight. This area is known for big ocean energy—great for pictures, and a good place to take in how the coast changes when it meets rivers and wind.

Two ways to enjoy these stops:

• Stay flexible with time at the viewpoints; it’s often the weather that decides how long you’ll want to stand there.
• Use this section as your “slow down” stretch between tastings—your senses are getting a break from the food part of the day.

One caution: coastal weather can switch quickly. Bring a light layer and keep an eye on wind while you’re photographing.

Margaret River Town Stop: Time for Local Produce and Shops

You do get a dedicated stop in Margaret River town centre, with time to meander through shops and local produce. This is where you can decide how you want to spend your lunch time and what you want to carry forward into your tasting day.

Because lunch is not included, this town stop can be your best chance to handle food in a relaxed way. If you’d rather not gamble, plan ahead by choosing a place you’d be happy eating at, then use your time on foot to get what you want without chasing it later.

If you’re traveling with dietary needs, I’d treat this as your anchor meal moment. The rest of the day includes snacks, but the tour schedule still means you’ll likely want one proper meal during town time.

Brewery and Winery Tastings: Where the Flavor Comes In

The tour includes both a brewery and a winery for tastings. The important detail is that these are tastings, not a full-day drinking contest. You’ll still be doing sightseeing afterward, and the snacks included in the morning and afternoon help keep things comfortable.

At the brewery, you can expect beer tastings. At the winery, you’ll enjoy premium wine tastings at a well-known winery. The blend works well because it gives you variety: one stop may be more casual and social, while the other is more structured around wine.

A practical note: even though this is a guided day, your “taste pace” is still your choice. If you drink less, you’ll enjoy the later coastal stops more. If you drink more, you’ll feel it in the driving hours back to Perth. A steady pace tends to be the sweet spot for this kind of day.

Snacks, No Lunch, and Timing: Avoid the Midday Hangover

You get morning and afternoon snacks included. That’s a big deal on a 12 to 13 hour day because it helps you avoid the energy crash that can turn sightseeing into chores.

Still, there’s no included lunch. The tour explicitly gives you the chance to support local food options, and it makes sense—there’s too much variety across the region to force one lunch choice.

Here’s how to manage it without stress:

• Plan your lunch during the Margaret River town time.
• Use the included snacks to top up, not to replace a full meal.
• If you know you’ll be hungry, carry an extra small snack in your bag for the drive moments between stops.

Also note: there’s a stop at the end of the day where you can look for kangaroos during the return trip. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s a nice bonus if you love spotting animals in the wild from the roadside.

Price and Value at Around $175: What You’re Really Paying For

At $175.72 per person, this tour sits in a mid-to-higher range for Perth day trips. The value equation comes from what’s included: a guided day, the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park cruise admission, and multiple paid-included sights like Canal Rocks viewing and the winery and brewery tastings.

If you were to do this on your own, you’d be paying for transport, time, and the cruise booking anyway. The tour bundles a lot of moving parts into one pass, which can be worth it if you don’t want to handle planning and driving on the day.

One more value point: group size. With a maximum of 24 travelers and an air-conditioned vehicle, you get a more personal guided feel compared with huge bus tours, without getting stuck in a small group that might move more rigidly.

That said, long days can feel uncomfortable for some people depending on seating and weather. If you’re sensitive to travel comfort, go in knowing it’s a full day and bring what you need for your body.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A wildlife-focused day with dolphins/sea lions/penguins from the ocean
• A single-day overview of the Margaret River region without renting a car
• Wine and beer tastings in the right setting, plus snacks to keep energy steady
• Enough time to see famous surf and coastal formations like Canal Rocks and the Margaret River Mouth

I’d consider skipping if you:

• Hate long schedules or want more time in fewer places
• Have very strict timing needs for meals
• Are expecting an included lunch every day segment (it’s not part of the package)

Guides and Vibe: What Makes the Day Feel Good

The best days are often about the guide. In this case, the tour has a reputation for guides who keep things fun and practical. People specifically call out Glenn for being knowledgeable, funny, flexible, and thoughtful with guest needs. Others highlight Mark as going above and beyond to shape the day.

Even if your guide is different, the point is the same: the day works because it’s guided, and the guide handles timing between wildlife, coast stops, and tastings so you can enjoy the sights instead of managing logistics.

Should You Book This Margaret River Wildlife + Wine Day Tour?

If you’re aiming to see Margaret River, Busselton Jetty area, Canal Rocks, and the Shoalwater wildlife cruise all in one day, this is a strong choice. The wildlife cruise adds real wow-factor early, and the tasting stops keep the day from feeling like “just sightseeing.”

Book it if you like variety, can handle a long day, and are okay covering lunch on your own. Skip it if comfort and downtime matter more to you than packing in a lot of places.

If you do book, set yourself up for success: bring a layer for the coast, plan your lunch during the town stop, and pace your tastings so you can enjoy the return drive.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 7:00 am from Barrack Street Jetty in Perth.

How long is the day trip?

Plan for about 12 to 13 hours total.

What wildlife might I see on the cruise?

The cruise is designed for spotting wild dolphins, sea lions, and penguins in their natural habitat.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though you’ll have morning and afternoon snacks and time in Margaret River town to eat.

Are wine and beer tastings included?

Yes. The tour includes tastings at a brewery and a winery.

What stops are included besides Margaret River?

The day includes Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, Busselton (with Busselton Jetty area views), Surfers Point, Canal Rocks, and viewpoints around the Margaret River Mouth.

Is the tour group size limited?

Yes. It has a maximum of 24 travelers.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.

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